Nursing students' self-esteem levels and attitudes toward the nursing profession

Aim: This study aimed to examine nursing students' self-esteem levels and attitudes toward the nursing profession. Background: Although it is important to choose a profession that will make the person happy in many aspects such as one's abilities, interests, values, attitudes, personal goals, and social expectations, it has an important place, especially in a profession such as nursing, which involves intense emotional and physical load. Methods: The study population was 390 nursing students at a foundation university in Istanbul, while the sample included 202 students. Data were collected between January 16, 2023, and February 15, 2023, with the Demographic Data Collection Tool, Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, and the Attitude Scale for Nursing Profession. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 27.0 program. The STROBE checklist was used to report the study. Results: The mean age of the participants was 20.79 +/- 1.72 (years), among which 65.3% were in the 20-22 age range, 76.7% were female, and 29.7% were in the first grade. A positive but very weak relationship was found between the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and the Attitude Scale for Nursing Profession scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results show that professionalization and socialization processes greatly affect nursing students' self-esteem. Considering the extended period that students spend in academic institutions under the guidance of faculty members, this matter deserves greater attention. Implications for nursing: While developing the curriculum and education process, factors that support the development of self-esteem in nursing students should be taken into account and initiatives should be planned to increase positive attitudes toward the profession. Nursing students can gain different perspectives by spending more time with nurses in hospitals.